Juncker wants swift action for Greece

With Greece voting on its 2013 budget on Sunday, Eurogroup President Jean-Claude Juncker has called for swift action between eurozone members for further aid.

11.11.2012

(CS/dpa) With Greece voting on its 2013 budget on Sunday, Eurogroup President Jean-Claude Juncker has called for swift action between eurozone members for further aid.

“Greece is in the process of fulfilling its duties, and I do not doubt that the other 16 euro governments will meet their responsibilities opposite Greece in a timely manner,” Juncker said to German news agency dpa at a meeting in Brussels.

Juncker added that the Eurogroup would consult on the Greek reform programme as well as the Greek budget at its next meeting on Monday, before deliberating further steps.

However, progress could be slower than expected, with Juncker admitting that several eurozone countries, such as Germany, need to consult their national parliaments before being able to make any final decisions.

The Luxembourg Premier added that it was regrettable that the Troika report had not yet been submitted. However, “if all elements, which we need to come to a conclusion are in place and have been checked, we will swiftly make a decision,” Juncker said.

Greece is in desperate need for 31.5 million euros in order to fulfill credit payments.

Despite these troubles, Juncker praised the crisis-ridden country's reform efforts, saying they were “impressive” and in accord with the eurozone partners' expectations. “They show courage and prove the will to rigorously address the challenges Greece is facing.”